By Obinna Uballa
Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli has resigned following days of violent protests that left at least 19 people dead and plunged the Himalayan nation into political turmoil.
Oli’s decision came hours after three of his cabinet ministers quit in protest against the government’s handling of demonstrations sparked by alleged corruption and controversial crackdown on social media.
His aide confirmed the resignation on Tuesday morning, describing it as “a step to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed.”
The unrest, largely driven by young people in what organisers dubbed a “Gen Z protest,” erupted after authorities imposed a ban on major social media platforms, accusing them of spreading misinformation.
Demonstrators defied a nationwide curfew on Monday, storming the headquarters of the ruling Nepali Congress party and attacking the homes of several prominent politicians.
Security forces responded with force, opening fire on protesters in Kathmandu and other cities. At least 19 people were killed, and dozens more were injured, according to hospital sources.
The government lifted the social media ban late Monday night in a bid to calm tensions, but by then, the situation had spiralled beyond control
The Kathmandu International Airport was shut down indefinitely on Tuesday as unrest continued, with the civil aviation authority citing safety concerns.
Analysts say Nepal’s attempt to curb social media use reflects a broader global trend of governments seeking tighter control over online spaces.
Aditya Vashistha, an information science professor at Cornell University, told reporters the crackdown follows “a well-established playbook” seen in countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
“This is about controlling the narrative and limiting stories emerging from the ground,” Vashistha said.
Kian Vesteinsson of Freedom House, a US-based nonprofit, noted that while governments have a “valid interest” in regulating platforms, such actions often coincide with crackdowns on dissent. Freedom House’s 2024 report found global internet freedom had declined for the 14th consecutive year.
Analysts say Oli’s resignation leaves Nepal in a precarious position, with parliament yet to announce a successor. The Nepali Congress faces mounting public anger, and calls for accountability are growing louder. Meanwhile, organisers of the protests have vowed to continue demonstrations until sweeping reforms are enacted.
